Bus drivers threaten to strike over emission tests

Public transport may grind to a complete standstill if an "industrial dispute" between bus owners and the Malta Transport Authority over emission tests escalates. The Public Transport Association has directed members not to permit their buses to be tested for emissions.

The PTA demands to see the qualifications of the ADT personnel entrusted to conduct the emission tests. It also wants the bus drivers themselves and not the ADT officials to handle the buses during the tests.

A spokesman for the Transport Ministry said there was no industrial dispute and that the ministry was amazed with the PTA's attitude on the matter.

There was a lack of agreement but not an industrial dispute, the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the regulations laid down that the tests can only be carried out by qualified personnel.

The officials carrying out such tests possess a certificate issued by Vehicle and Operator Service Agency (VOSA), an agency belonging to the British Department of Transport, after undergoing the necessary training.

The spokesman said a specific testing procedure had to be followed and he could not understand how the PTA had adopted this stand.

According to law, the ADT had the explicit right to order a bus driver to allow the testing official to be behind the wheel and to conduct the emission test.

The spokesman said that, over a period of 12 weeks, a total of 108 complaints about emission had been received on just one bus.

Between January and March this year, 98 tests were conducted on buses and 58 failed. Owners were fined €46 (Lm19.75). Bus drivers who fail the test are ordered not to use the bus until they pass another test, which is normally held on the same day.

The spokesman appealed to the PTA not to enter into disputes that could only harm the service and to instruct its members to obey the law and submit their buses for the emission tests that are carried out according to the law.

PTA president Victor Spiteri hit out at the ministry for going public instead of discussing the matter around a table and insisted on a copy of certificates of those conducting the tests.

Mr Spiteri also insisted that the tests are carried out by the drivers themselves.

The PTA is directing members not to attend tests required by the ADT, except for the VRT test.

If members are intimidated in any way, either through citations or by being prevented from operating after they obey the directive, the PTA would be constrained to stop the public transport service, Mr Spiteri said.